River Thames Barrier London Construction Coffee Mug

River Thames Barrier, London. A barrier across the River Thames downstream of Central London that, when raised, prevents London from being flooded by high tides and storm surges from the sea. The structure consists of concrete piers separated by navigable channels when the gates are lowered. The barrier was completed in 1982 and officially opened in 1984. The photograph here was taken in 1981 by the author whilst the barrier was still under construction. This unique image shows construction cranes in the background and the piers being built, between which the rotating flood gates are supported. The mechanisms for raising and lowering the gates are shown in the photograph in the form of large yellow V shapes on their side. The ribbed steel pier cover and the control room windows are visible.